In the week ending July 2, 2022, there were 497 deaths in the state. 26.2% of deaths were caused by heart disease, 21.3% were from cancer and 7.2% were from COVID-19. Additionally, 8% of deaths were from Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Studies show doctors and medical examiners may underreport Alzheimer's disease and dementia-related conditions as the underlying cause of death on death certificates, according to the National Institute on Aging.
Once infected, older adults with dementia are likely to develop a more severe and dangerous illness. The diseases which make an older adult more vulnerable to COVID-19 are age-associated chronic conditions, according to the Bright Focus Foundation.
Iowa top 10 causes of death in week ending July 2, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending July 2, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending June 25, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Heart disease | 130 | 121 |
| Malignant neoplasms (cancerous tumor) | 106 | 100 |
| Chronic lower respiratory diseases | 28 | 25 |
| Cerebrovascular diseases | 21 | 24 |
| COVID-19 (multiple cause) | 21 | 17 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 16 | 25 |
| COVID-19 (underlying cause) | 15 | 12 |
| Alzheimer's disease | 12 | 23 |
| Influenza and pneumonia | < 10 | < 10 |
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis | < 10 | 10 |
Iowa Dementia deaths in week ending July 2, 2022
| Cause of Death | Deaths in Week Ending July 2, 2022 | Deaths in Week Ending June 25, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer disease and dementia | 40 | 56 |
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